Israel struggled with idolatry throughout much of its history up until the exile in 587 BC. Two Canaanite deities come up frequently as stumbling blocks to the Israelite faith: Baal and Asherah. Baal was the Canaanite storm god who promised to give rain for their crops. Asherah was a goddess who promised fertility to women. Both of these elements, weather and fertility, were something that humans had no power over themselves, and yet they needed both for the survival of their people. Along with meeting their needs, however, these deities were made even more alluring by their practice of religious prostitution (cf. 1 Kings 14:23–24). Males and females would dedicate their bodies to the service of the goddess Asherah, and they would worship her through a sexual act (a possible reference is in Num 25:1–8).

Modern idolatry, while different, is also dangerously similar. Our society often turns to other “gods” to save them in times of need. Some devote themselves to scientific knowledge and humanism in order to solve the world’s problems. Others worship money to solve their issues. Still others turn to entertainment and pleasure in order to help ease their sorrows. Let us make sure that we guard our hearts from such motivations. Let us be mindful to turn to the One, True God in our time of need instead of these false gods. Let us trust in him to fill all of our needs!